Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD): For Patients

Q: What is an LVAD?A: An LVAD -- Left Ventricular Assist Device -- is a surgically implanted, electrically (battery) powered pump that helps a failing heart's left ventricle pump adequate amounts of blood to the body.

Q: Why do I need an LVAD?A: Heart failure, where the heart is not strong enough to pump blood for your body's needs, is classified from Class 1 (mild) to 4 (severe). Heart transplantation is the gold standard treatment for Class 4 heart failure. If you are waiting for a heart transplant or are ineligible for transplant and are doing poorly with maximal medical therapy, an LVAD can be lifesaving and improve your quality of life.

Q: What happens if choose not to have an LVAD?A: Your doctors will continue to optimize your medications. However, the mortality of Class 4 heart failure, especially if you have been hospitalized multiple times for exacerbations, approaches 50%.

Q: Will I still need medication for my heart after LVAD surgery?A: Yes. The device helps the left side of your heart. Medications are needed to help optimize function of the right side of the heart and to help remodeling of the heart. A small percentage of patients experience recovery of heart function with this strategy.

Q: What is the hospital stay after LVAD surgery like?A: Most often, patients stay in the Cardiac Surgical Intensive Care Unit for about 1 week after surgery, and then in our Step Down Unit for 1 to 2 weeks. Discharge timing depends on physical recovery after surgery and familiarity with care of the LVAD.

Q: Will I be able to shower?A: Yes. A shower kit is provided. We will teach you how to use it and practice in the hospital before you go home.

Q: Will I be able to go to work?A: Yes, depending on the kind of work you do. There are some physical restrictions that your physician will discuss with you. But barring these, once you have recovered from surgery, you should be able to return to work.

Q: What activities can I not do?A: Physical activity involving heavy contact that might cause bruising around the device is inadvisable. Also, you may not submerge in water (as in swimming).

Q: How long does the LVAD last?A: The longest device has been in a patient for about 7 years. Testing by the manufacturers suggests that the LVAD should provide support for at least 10 years.

Q: How long do the batteries last?A: Currently, the batteries last for 14 hours.

Q: Can I still get a heart transplant after I receive an LVAD?A: If you are evaluated and deemed appropriate for a heart transplant, then you may receive an LVAD as a "bridge to transplant." Once a heart is available (waiting times may be as long as 1 to 2 years), you may then receive your transplant. Some patients are initially deemed ineligible for a transplant and receive an LVAD as an alternative, for what is called "destination therapy." This LVAD use may improve your overall condition, where you may now be reassessed and found to be a candidate for heart transplant.

Q: What are the complications of living with an LVAD?A: There are multiple alarms on the device to indicate that a problem is brewing. Notify your LVAD coordinator immediately if there is such a problem.

Q: What happens if the device malfunctions?A: Complications include wound infection of the driveline and bleeding. These may be minimized by working closely with your healthcare team.

Q: Can I travel with an LVAD?A: Yes. Many patients travel by land, air, and sea with their LVAD. You must take all your equipment with you (not packed away in cargo). Your route and destination should include areas with a LVAD program in the event of an emergency.

Q: Who can I call for answers to questions or for advice?A: Our LVAD coordinators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For ANY concerns, call our VAD phone at 631-617-2541.